Cass County K9 Injured in Attack Nearing Return to Duty

K9 Ryker (Credit: Cass County Sheriff’s Office)

The Cass County K9 who suffered serious injuries when he was assaulted apprehending a suspect last month is continuing his road to a full recovery.

K9 Ryker was sent to a Twin Cities emergency vet after being hit in the head with a metal pipe. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, the assault happened on Sunday, Sept. 17 when 27-year-old Kyote Windom of Cass Lake reportedly hit Ryker in the head twice with a large metal pipe, causing “significant injury.”

Ryker sustained several serious injuries, including a shattered orbital socket, snout fracture, fractured teeth, and a lacerated tongue and cheek. Cass County Sheriff’s Bryan Welk reports that after undergoing surgery and treatment, Ryker is expected to return to work in the near future.

In their release, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office wished to thank everyone who sent notes, cards, comments, well wishes, and gifts during this time of recovery, including retired investigator Mike Diekmann, who led a fundraising effort, and the numerous businesses and individuals who donated financially to assist K9 Ryker with ongoing recovery and rehabilitation efforts.